Rob Wildwood gives us a perspective on the evolution of First World cultures in this thought-provoking book. The “primal awareness” of the title is humankind’s awareness of the immanence of spirit, consciousness and generative life force alive in every aspect of creation on Earth. Wildwood gives us an overview of how humanity in First World cultures has lost its sense of connection to the natural world and as a result, is now destroying it. The book takes us through the impact of cultural development from the evolution of language into cultural belief and identity, then maturation of religious structures which separate individuals from their own connection to divinity. Wildwood delineates shifts in civilizations as people moved into permanent settlements and homes, began to value possessions over social connection and started wars over territories and resources with colonization of all that was “primitive” as the end result. He describes the effects of mechanistic thinking – only humans have souls – with the rest of the universe broken into component parts for analysis, categorization and ultimately, domination for economic profit. Each incremental step took humans farther away from an understanding that they are part of the natural world. Now we think of “Nature” as something we go somewhere to “be in;” it is something separate from who we are. Wildwood would like us to understand how this happened and help us find our way to a different perception of humanity’s role on Earth. I found the Wildwood’s selection of the milestones of cultural evolution interesting and thoughtful. Each milestone is a chapter heading; the ensuing discussions are brief but enlightening and certainly timely. The very recent Global Assessment from The Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, prepared by scientists from 130 countries, confirmed Wildwood’s assertions that humankind’s activities, especially large scale “industrial” farming and fishing will result in the extinction of over one million plant and animal species unless radical changes in humanity’s approach to use of natural resources are made now. The thread of redemption that runs through the book is the narrative voice of the “shaman.” Wildwood asks the shaman to provide a remedy to help reverse the loss of connection to the natural world that individuals experience as a result of each of the culture changes described. The practices provided are simple and effective; they can be used anywhere to return us to mindful awareness that we are a part of the web of life. I agree with Wildwood that we humans have to find a post-growth economics that is loyal to life instead of to profits. However, I take issue with his premise that all cultural development is necessarily problematic. Primal Awareness idealizes humanity in its “natural” state, and tends to demonize all social institutions and development. Certainly, we must find a way to stop being the human “cancer” on the natural world that Wildwood describes, and we must do it by finding our place in the order of the cosmos, rather than dominating it at the expense of all other life forms. But humanity has a genius and beauty of its own and a part in that cosmic order that Wildwood does not acknowledge. I recommended Primal Awareness: Reconnecting with the Spirits of Nature for the overview of the steps of First World cultural evolution; although quite general, it is, again, a thought-provoking analysis. And the shaman’s remedies are excellent prescriptions for returning us to awareness and appreciation of the beauty and life force in all of the beings with whom we share Earth. ~ Jennifer Wright, Pagan Pages

5/5 Stars An unapologetic look at history and the oppression that civilizations spread as they grew, and how those things still resonate and harm us today. We must live in harmony with not only nature but each other if we are to stop harming ourselves. ~ Liliyana Shadowlyn, NetGalley

A very interesting book on the spirits of Nature, Genius Loci and archetypes. A travel that gives food for thought about reconnecting to the world around us and ancestral root of where we are living. ~ Anna Maria Giacomasso, NetGalley

This is not a superficial book - at least for me. I found that I had to stop frequently and give myself time to think about and absorb the ideas presented. It is however beautifully and thoughtfully written. It deals with humankind's separation from the essential energies and truths of the natural world around us and how we need to reconnect with those in order to bring full meaning and balance into our lives. It discusses strategies and approaches for making these essential reconnections. You will especially gain value and enjoyment from this book if you are interested in metaphysical or "new age" philosophies. ~ Janice Bell, NetGalley

This books gives a history of our separation from nature and the world of spirit and what we can do to reconnect. The author sees a transformative process underway and the first steps to learning how to live more harmoniously with the environment and each other. ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

At last! A truthful, frank and well researched look into how we, as a human race, were created from a dream of love and respect, to how we have become shackled by fear and corruption. It then offers us a deep understanding that we have the power to wake up from the manipulative nightmare and dream a new dream, one which connects us into our healing and brings us back to who we really are and what we as a species have come here to do! ~ Jay Oakwood, director of The Bridget Healing Centre, The Call of the Shaman Training and The Healing Drum, Glastonbury

Primal Awareness is a beautifully written treasury of insights, that uncovers history's hidden truths! A must read for anyone who wishes to reclaim their spirit and raise their consciousness to bring themselves, and this world back into balance. ~ Flavia Kate Peters, Faery Shaman and Best Selling Author

This beautifully written book explains how we as a species have progressively forgotten the importance of our relationship with Mother Earth. It will reawaken within you dormant soul memories and reestablish a fervent desire to be at One with the trees, the rocks, the water and their spirits once again. It's a book that calls you home. ~ Alphedia Arara, environmental scientist, author, channel, spiritual workshop facilitator

Rob Wildwood's fascinating spiritual odyssey around the world has finally manifested for us all to read. His special gift in communicating with the 'spirit of place' has given us a vital message in how we can re-connect with the ancient wisdom and more importantly, integrate this knowledge, so that we can create a new paradigm for the future. ~ Gary Bitcliffe, author and Dowser